Repeat violent offender sentenced to life behind bars

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - A Cleveland man was sentenced to life in prison after a string of violent crimes.

Prosecutors say in July 2013, Herman Jennings and Waymone Williams tried to rob a man on East 178th Street.

The victim, who had a concealed carry permit, turned the tables on the two, shooting and killing Williams.

A jury convicted Jennings for Williams' murder, as Williams was killed while the two were committing aggravated robbery.

Jennings was also convicted in a separate bench trial for a charges stemming from a September 2013 attack on a driver. Jennings assaulted the driver, knocking out his teeth, then robbed him of his cash and credit cards.

He has the possibility of parole after 35 years.

"Herman Jennings displayed a level of violence that belies an utter disregard for human life," said Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Blaise Thomas, who along with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Callista Plemel represented the State of Ohio in these cases. "He belongs in prison for the rest of his life."